The Wall Street Journal had several columns recently pointing out that many international carriers, including Air France and Virgin Atlantic, have 2 inches less legroom than Southwest. Most--including American, United, Northwest, Delta, British, Continental, and Lufthansa have one inch less. And that goes for most domestic airlines as well. And we know how every inch counts!

JetBlue assigns seats, and as a bonus, give you an extra 2 inches of legroom in the back half of the plane on top of their already extra legroom in front. In addition, they fly only Airbus', which have wider seats than competing Boeing's. But until they fly everywhere, it's very much a mixed bag--with no airline having a clearcut edge as American has dropped their more-room-throughout-coach idea.

Since we've all been to sporting events, often squished into very uncomfortable seats with NO legroom--why don't I hear more complaints about that?? eek!

As for the problem of USAirways and late arrivals--they're operating in the worst areas for air traffic control delays. That is not their fault--but nearly everything else that is sinking their own ship is. USAirways has had many mergers in their history--and none of them have worked out. It's hard to believe that a potential one with America West would help, despite the geographic advantages. The drowning tend to take others within their clutches.